Motorcycle Accidents

It isn’t news that motorcycle accidents can be more severe than accidents involving only passenger cars. Just as 18 wheelers can impose massive damage because of their size, motorcycles can be the victims of massive damage because of their size as well. Find information here on how to safely enjoy your motorcycle, statistics on motorcycle accidents, and what to do if you are injured in a motorcycle accident.

Motorcycle Accident Causes

Head-on Collision

Head-on collisions are the most common type of motorcycle accident, accounting for 56% of fatalities. Due to the small size of a motorcycle compared to that of a car, a distracted motorist might easily miss a motorcyclist, causing a serious accident. In most cases, the car strikes the motorcycle from the front. Resulting injuries are severe and often fatal, due to the exposed nature of the motorcycle rider.

Cars Turning Left

A car making a left turn can easily collide with a motorcycle that is trying to speed through an intersection before the car completes its turn. In most cases, the car taking a left turn will be held liable, but if the motorcyclist was driving unsafely as well, he may be found to have contributed to the accident. Depending on the circumstances, his recovery may be reduced or barred altogether.

Single Vehicle Accident

Another vehicle does not always have to be involved in a motorcycle accident. Sometimes a motorcyclist will be driving unsafely, either speeding or often under the influence of alcohol, and will hit a stationary object. Or an object in the road or the condition of the road itself will cause the motorcyclist to lose control and crash. Because the motorcycle itself provides no protection to the driver, injuries can be severe.

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle weaves between cars and lanes. It is a maneuver often utilized in traffic jams. While there have been attempts made to make lane splitting legal in Texas, it is not yet legal. If a motorcycle is involved in an accident while lane splitting, it is more likely that he will be found contributorily negligent. The actions of other cars will be taken into consideration as well.

Yes to Helmets, No to Alcohol

Injuries, both fatal and non-fatal, would be reduced if all motorcycle riders wore helmets. Texas does not require riders over 21 to wear a helmet as long as they have insurance, but this should not encourage you to ride without a motorcycle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that for every 100 motorcyclists killed in accidents, 37 would have been saved had they worn a helmet.

If you are unfortunate and get into an accident, even if the accident is not fatal, a helmet will protect your head and neck from injuries. If you still suffer head and neck injuries while wearing helmet, the fact that you were riding responsibly will bolster your claim against the other individual, showing just how recklessly the other party was driving.

If you get into an accident and were not wearing a helmet, then recovery will be very difficult due to your contributory negligence.

Insurance companies will make things much more difficult on you if you were not waring a helmet. Your burden of proof will be higher and you might not recover anything.

Most accidents involving one motorcycle alone involve alcohol. Alcohol loosens inhibitions and increases reaction times. Not only is it against the law, but it endangers your well-being, and the well-being of others on the road. Don’t drink and ride!

Our Attorneys Can Provide the Help that You Need

From the first phone call, our attorneys will show you the individual attention that your case needs and deserves. As you can see, the injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident can be severe, and if you contributed in any way to your accident, you need a skilled attorney to present the strongest case possible on your behalf. Our dedicated team will investigate every possible avenue of recovery to make sure that your compensation is complete. Contact Kirkendall Dwyer LLP for a free consultation about your motorcycle accident today.

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